I still can't believe he's Swedish but my heart swells with pride every time I remember he is... - Ancient Indian Wizard
If you like one of Kristian Matsson's songs you will probably like them all. With his sandpaper vocals, toy guitar and sharp folk melodies his appeal seems to grow with every passing release. - Lucas
22. Lower Dens - Nootropics
The songs in this album ostensibly create their own immediate space... they do not merely fill space. - JC Hackett
Atmosphere so thick, you feel like you've been floating in a pool of clouds. Hazy, dark, and beautiful. - Max D
I was lucky enough to sneak into the band's intimate record release show. I won't miss them whenever they're in town ever again. - MikeIsTall
23. Martin Rossiter - The Defenestration of St. Martin
Martin could be singing about making a grilled cheese sandwich and it would still give me the chills and fill me up with nostalgia. - ve1cro
Former lead singer from Gene is still a musical powerhouse. This album was made possible by a Kickstarter-esque thingy and is worth every penny. - Ancient Indian Wizard
24. Lucero - Women & Work
Women & Work finds a soulful groove somewhere between a strut and stagger, like the guys are drinking better whiskey now. - awmercy
It's Memphis and Muscle Shoals mixed with some light roadhouse. I know it's not close to being the best album of the year artistically, but it's the one I simply wouldn't stop listening to. - JT
25. Justin Townes Earle - Nothing's Gonna Change The Way I
Feel About You Now
At this point, I would buy a copy of JTE singing about a dishwasher. Because it would be one heartfelt and soulful kiss-off to a dishwasher that inevitably disappointed him in some way. Between his addiction struggles, his daddy issues, and his inability to have a relationship, he is one tortured artist who just keeps writing *really* incredible songs. - JT
This is a strong album (and it's great to see him making music and touring again). - Ann
JTE was another of my discoveries this year, though I actually prefer his last album, Harlem River Blues. I really enjoy him in general, though, and this album is also solid. - Anne
26. Bat For Lashes - The Haunted Man
My wife went out one evening and I ended up watching a Bat For Lashes festival set and I heard "Laura" for the first time. I've since heard it like infinity more times. - Ancient Indian Wizard
Like the title suggests, this album is haunting. Beautiful and mopey and moody. Very English. - TheCraneWife
27. Mac Demarco - 2
Incredible album from start to finish. Gets better with every listen, and the lyrics, which seem playful at first come into to focus as having a lot of heart and passion in them. - Joey P
This guy comes off like hipster trash in interviews, but he makes really great and earnest pop music. If there were more songs like "My Kind of Woman" and "Ode to Viceroy", this would have been higher on the list. - Ben
28. Sun Kil Moon - Among The Leaves
The aging, indy darling still has so much good stuff to say and his potty mouth is in full bloom. - Rain
Self-deprecating folk songs from the godfather of sadcore. - thebrownshaun
29. Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
Not my favorite Bird yet, but still full of enjoyable pop melodies. - Chris
If you are a fan and 'Break Yourself' didn't blow you away upon first listen, give it another shot- it will eventually seep into your heart & soul. If you are not a fan of Mr. Bird- become one. Because he simply does not make bad records. - Lucas
I found this album more in alignment with my tastes than his last couple. I think he lets more of these songs hang on his fiddle work, which I love. - Tex
30. Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory
A darker and bleaker counterpart to Celebration Rock, Attack on Memory recalls the flip side to those nights with friends and lovers. Lack of understanding, toxic relationships and apathy are commonplace on this record. - MikeIsTall
Droney and catchy, they are a fine addition to Ohio's legacy of lo-fi/noise/garage rock even if they still have some room to grow. - Dr. Shithead
